Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)?
Ever wondered what something is really made of? Or what elements are inside? That’s the job of an analytical chemist.
With a Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry you’ll learn to break down and examine the composition of various materials. You’ll work to keep everyday items like food, cosmetics, water and medicine, safe and reliable.
Learn how to modify substances to support the development of new products, medicines and technologies. Gain hands-on learning, and the technical skills and real-world experience to start your science career with confidence.
Graduate with advanced skills and knowledge to work in a range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, forensics and manufacturing.
Overview
Study the Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry in Australia to gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a career built on precision and scientific integrity.
Analytical chemistry is all about accuracy – measuring, testing, analysing and interpreting chemical data with exactness, then clearly reporting those results. You’ll study core chemistry subjects alongside practical training in laboratory methods, data handling, scientific reporting and the tools used in professional chemical analysis. Throughout the degree, you'll also build transferable skills in communication, ethics, critical thinking and project management – key strengths for any science-based profession.
You can customise your studies by choosing from a broad selection of electives. The additional honours year allows you to deepen your expertise through advanced coursework and a major research project, sharpening your skills in scientific investigation, critical thinking and independent problem-solving.
From lab work to collaborative projects and optional industry placements, you’ll graduate with the real-world experience and confidence to move into the science workforce or pursue further research.
Key features
Build advanced knowledge in analytical chemistry, along with strong technical and professional capabilities.- Strengthen your lab skills and refine your understanding of scientific methods through hands-on investigation.
- Study areas such as bioanalytical and medicinal chemistry, environmental science and sustainability.
- Combine a Science major with a complementary field of study.
- Access cutting-edge facilities and equipment designed to reflect real industry settings.
- Complete an extended research project in your honours year to deepen your practical experience.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry is a four-year degree designed to build strong scientific knowledge and advanced analytical skills. Throughout your studies, you’ll complete a blend of core science subjects, specialised analytical chemistry courses, electives, and in your final year, an extended research project or professional placement.
In first year, you'll begin with foundational science and chemistry courses, such as:
- Foundations in Chemistry
- Chemistry IA
- Chemistry IB.
In your second year, you’ll focus more deeply on analytical chemistry, with courses covering:
- Analytical Chemistry Techniques
- Bioanalytical Chemistry
- Environmental and Analytical Chemistry
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Organic, Physical and Inorganic Chemistry
- Scientific Data Processing and Visualisation
- Structure Determination and Analysis.
You’ll also take part in laboratory-based learning to build hands-on skills using modern equipment and technologies used across industry. Data interpretation, reporting methods, and scientific communication are key parts of the learning experience.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to explore a little bit of everything. You could study another area of science or venture into non-science areas such as arts, languages, business, mathematics – or something else entirely.
In the fourth year, the honours component includes advanced coursework and a major supervised research project in analytical chemistry, or the option to undertake a professional industry placement. This final year helps you develop high-level critical thinking, project management, and independent research skills, giving you a competitive edge for careers in science or further postgraduate study.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
- Chemistry
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Physics and Geophysics
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry
Program code: HSCIE
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Common core description
Common core courses are interdisciplinary courses that build key graduate capabilities.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transforming Learning through First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Building Belonging: Navigating Cultural Complexities
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essential Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Analytical and Sustainable Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Analytical Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3007
|
Units
6
|
Notes
The courses CHEM1002 Chemistry 1A and CHEM1003 Chemistry 1B require students to have passed certain SACE Stage 2 subjects, or equivalent subjects, to be eligible to enrol. Please see the course information webpages for prerequisite and/or assumed knowledge details. Foundational pathways are available to students without this background, which may increase the duration of the program beyond 3 years. Please contact the Science Program Director to discuss specific enrolment advice based on your previous study.
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
- 0 to 48 units from University-wide electives
- 0 to 48 units from Electives - unspecified plan
- 0 to 6 units from Electives - Work integrated learning
A full list of university-wide elective options can be accessed below.
University-wide elective options| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Sustainability and Soil Carbon 2
|
Course code
AGRI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crop and Pasture Production
|
Course code
AGRI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology
|
Course code
AGRI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contaminants in the Agro-ecosystem
|
Course code
AGRI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1C: Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science
|
Course code
BIOL1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Biotechnology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbial Ecology
|
Course code
BIOLX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Sequencing Technologies
|
Course code
BIOLX401
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Overview
|
Course code
BIOLX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEMX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 2
|
Course code
EART2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry 2
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 2
|
Course code
EART2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments 3
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 3
|
Course code
EART3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Missions
|
Course code
EART4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences
|
Course code
ENGI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Remote Sensing
|
Course code
ENGI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis
|
Course code
ENGI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Processing and Safety
|
Course code
ENGPX415
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Impact Assessment 3
|
Course code
ENVI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Technologies 3
|
Course code
ENVI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Food and Science Technology
|
Course code
FOOD1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Future Foods
|
Course code
FOOD3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOOD3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Evaluations of Food
|
Course code
FOODX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Production in a Future Climate
|
Course code
FOODX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOODX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Quality and Regulation
|
Course code
FOODX501
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geometry
|
Course code
MATH1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics in Action
|
Course code
MATH1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Modelling
|
Course code
MATHX103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Taming and Prediction
|
Course code
MATHX105
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Evaluation in Data Science
|
Course code
MATHX106
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX201
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Real Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX206
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Astronomy 1
|
Course code
PHYS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Behaviour and Conservation 3
|
Course code
SCIE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Web Cartography
|
Course code
SCIE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science International Study Tour
|
Course code
SCIE3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
SCIEX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Probability and Statistics
|
Course code
STATX100
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Electives - unspecified plan - The electives listed above are for students in the unspecified plan of the Bachelor of Science (Honours). Students in a defined plan should refer to the electives listed within their major.
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Honours Chemistry Project
|
Course code
CHEM4001
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Chemistry (Hons) A
|
Course code
CHEM4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
EART4004
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 6 units from Level 2 selective courses - List 1, and
- 6 units from Level 2 selective courses - List 2, and
- 12 units from Level 3 selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Organic Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Materials Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Medicinal and Biological Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Synthetic Methods
|
Course code
CHEM3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Materials Chemistry 3
|
Course code
CHEM3014
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
With the advanced skills learned in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry at Adelaide University, you’ll be well-prepared for roles that demand a high level of precision, scientific expertise and independent problem-solving. Industries such as forensics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, environmental science, food production and materials science all rely on the specialised knowledge honours graduates bring.
You might contribute to medical breakthroughs by identifying new biomarkers for earlier diagnosis and treatment. You could work in forensic labs, analysing trace chemicals to support criminal investigations. Or you may be involved in developing improved methods for recycling plastics, helping to reduce environmental waste and drive sustainable innovation.
You could work in a wide range of sectors including:
- Agriculture and agribusiness
- Automotive and aerospace
- Biotechnology
- Chemical manufacturing
- Clinical research and testing
- Consumer goods
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Energy and petrochemicals
- Environmental science and protection
- Food and beverage development
- Forensics and criminal investigation
- Health and safety regulators
- Healthcare and diagnostics
- Mining and metallurgy
- Pharmaceuticals
- Research and development
- Textiles and fabrics
- Water treatment and management.
Honours-level skills provide the opportunity for leadership roles and specialist positions earlier in your career.
Industry trends
Analytical chemistry is evolving rapidly, with emerging technologies like microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) transforming data collection and analysis. These innovations enhance sensitivity and efficiency while reducing reagent use and waste, aligning with green chemistry principles (Emerging Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2025). AI is also revolutionising the field by improving data analysis and optimising experimental methods.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Analytical Chemistry at Adelaide University, are well-placed to lead in these advancements, contributing to sustainable practices and technological innovations across various industries.
Accreditation
This program is provisionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).
Graduates are eligible for membership of the RACI.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
